Thailand is becoming a star on the global film scene, as productions from the United States, South Korea, and other nations increasingly choose the Kingdom for their filming needs. Backed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) innovative measures—ranging from generous cash rebates and seamless logistical support to the “Location Thailand” campaign—these productions are not only showcasing Thailand’s breathtaking landscapes but also powering economic growth, regional development, and sustainable tourism.
Record-Breaking Film Production and Revenue Growth
Between January and July 2025, Thailand welcomed an astonishing 322 foreign film productions, yielding over 3.33 billion baht in revenue, according to data from the Thailand Film Office under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. For the first half alone, 279 international shoots were reported to have generated 2.866 billion baht in direct revenue. These results have motivated officials to project a full-year total of approximately 10 billion baht—far exceeding earlier targets of 7.5 billion baht.
TAT’s Strategic Support for Filmmakers
TAT has adopted a three-pronged approach to attract international filmmakers:
- Streamlined Production Assistance
Through the Thailand Film Office, TAT coordinates permits, logistics, location scouting, and local authority collaboration, ensuring filmmakers experience a smooth operational workflow. - Generous Cash Rebate Incentives
Since January 2025, Thailand has offered a tiered cash rebate system reaching up to 30%, with no cap. Projects with higher spending levels enjoy higher rebates—15% for 50 million THB+, 20% for 100–150 million THB, and 25% for above 150 million THB. Additional rebates (totaling up to 11%) are available for promoting Thai tourism, hiring Thai talent, filming at designated sites, and conducting post-production in Thailand. - “Location Thailand” Campaign
This initiative transforms film sets into tourism attractions through “set‑jetting.” Highlights include partnerships with Universal Pictures to promote Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi—locations featured in Jurassic World: Rebirth. Activities like familiarization (FAM) trips, market briefings, tabletop sales, and networking events connect filmmakers with Thai service providers, strengthening the creative ecosystem.
From Screen to Tourism: Blockbusters Inspiring Travel
TAT’s “Location Thailand” campaign brings cinematic landmarks to life:
- Jurassic World: Rebirth (filmed June–July 2024) brought in over 400 million baht and created more than 2,200 jobs across Krabi, Phang Nga, and Trang. A global media event in early August 2025 invited international press and cast members to explore key filming locations—turning cinematic landscapes into immersive tourism experiences.
- Alien: Earth, which premiered on August 13, 2025, on Disney+ Hotstar, stands as Thailand’s most expensive foreign production in over 30 years. With a budget of 2.8 billion baht, it was filmed across seven provinces and employed more than 16,000 Thai crew members.
- The White Lotus: Season 3 received TAT’s logistical support, with its Bangkok premiere serving as a promotional driver. The “White Lotus Effect” led to a 44% year-on-year increase in hotel bookings on Koh Samui. The campaign included series-themed travel packages for markets like the US, Europe, and the Middle East, and even a limited-edition fashion line co-created with 3.1 Phillip Lim for the Canadian market.
Tech-Driven Visitor Engagement & Sustainable Tourism
TAT has incorporated tech innovations—such as geo-fencing alerts about filming sites and AR filters that immerse tourists in film scenes—to enrich visitor experiences and deepen engagement with Thailand’s cinematic heritage. Combined with partnerships with OTAs, hotels, and local governments, these technologies support film-inspired travel packages, infrastructure improvements, and skill development across the tourism and creative industries.
Thailand’s Cinematic & Tourism Future
Through its targeted strategies—production facilitation, financial incentives, destination marketing, and immersive visitor experiences—TAT has positioned Thailand as a premier global filming and travel destination. By transforming film sets into tourist routes, Thailand bridges storytelling and travel, generating sustainable economic benefits for diverse regions and communities.
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